Thailand National team - general news

[BangkokGlassBunny]

yeah Athletico... I'll fire my staff was a headline on siamsport today.

You should probably hurry up with the firing, they are trying to sabotage you

http://thaileaguefootball.webs.com/apps/blog/show/3822467

It's a home game for Chonburi not BG..  :

[charade_2010]

Atletico visit discussed

Europa League champions Atletico Madrid may play in Thailand after the World Cup .

Siam Sport Syndicate managing director Adisai Warinsirikul said if his plan is successful Atletico will include their full squad to play the Thai national team, including stars Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero.

"We are finalising details of the contract," Adisai said.

The match would be held at the end of July or early August.

It would be a part of a planned Asian Tour by Atletico which may also include China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Atletico beat Fulham 2-1 in the final of the Europa tournament earlier this month .

Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/37633/atletico-visit-discussed

[druryfire]

34 teams enter Mens Olympic Qualifiers:

http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/29224-asian-entries-for-2012-olympics-qualifiers

[jakartacasual]

interview with steve darby - http://jakartacasualtv.blogspot.com/2010/06/steve-darby-interview.html

[lokomotive]

throwing the same one into the ring as JC. Interview with Steve Darby is on thai-fussball.de

Tough stuff as I went through all the columns and Interviews he did with SRS not to asking the same questions again. Even the interview may be a bit off side the TPL, I think it contains some interesting stuff.   

[SriRachaShark]

throwing the same one into the ring as JC. Interview with Steve Darby is on thai-fussball.de

Tough stuff as I went through all the columns and Interviews he did with SRS not to asking the same questions again. Even the interview may be a bit off side the TPL, I think it contains some interesting stuff.   

You still managed to pinch my food & drink question, Loko.

Otherwise, another good interview.

[lokomotive]

Thanks Dale I try to learn from your interviews

[kerr17]

2 players are set to debut tomorrow.

Ponlawat Wangkahad of TOT as Right Back and  Theeratorn Boonmatan of PEA as Left Back.

Jarikanon, 21, who's doing well with Chonburi will also start his second game.

Upfront for the first time since 2008 Thai Port Chaikamdee will start.

[druryfire]

Holger Osieck who could have been Thailand coach has now landed with Australia.

http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-asian-cup-news/30045-acl-winner-osieck-is-new-australia-coach

[lokomotive]

Thats a big surprise.

[druryfire]

Interview with former national coach Chanvit Phalajivin:

http://www.the-afc.com/en/features-and-interviews/30042-twist-and-turns-take-chanvit-to-coaching-summit

[druryfire]

Thats a big surprise.

Come out of nowhere that one. Didn't expect him to be announced.

Will be interesting to see where he can take them.

[lokomotive]

I think he did a good job with Canada a few years ago.

[druryfire]

I think he did a good job with Canada a few years ago.

I've just been speaking to someone on that subject.

We agree he did a very good job in winning the Gold Cup, but struggled in world cup qualifiers, draws with Panama and Cuba come to light, so my Aussie contacts aren't really too happy about his appointment. Probably more because he's been out of the limelight since Urawa.

But one thing that strikes me is that he's a winner with Canada and Urawa. A pity Thailand didn't go with him back in 2008.

[lokomotive]

But a 4 year contract, in my eyes is too long.

Thailand didn't made the best experiances with Siggi Held a few years back. So Iam not sure. And you never what of politicial issues played a role in hiring Robson.

[druryfire]

But a 4 year contract, in my eyes is too long.

Thailand didn't made the best experiances with Siggi Held a few years back. So Iam not sure. And you never what of politicial issues played a role in hiring Robson.

Four years is a long time, but i guess it depends on what the coach would be bringing. Osieck I think would have tried sorting out Thai football from top to bottom. Reid wasn't like that, he was more a case of getting a foot back into the game and then getting out when he could, and he did. Which I can't blame him for.

Robson, yes it was politics rather than his coaching record, which is pants.

Osieck would have been a more hands on coach than what Robson is, but without Robson and Reid we wouldn't have had Darby which does seem to be the major coup behind the transformation of turning Thai national team players from amatuer to professional, but when the big questions come they are on Robsons shoulders and the questions haven't been answered until today, putting todays goalscorer back in the squad.

[SriRachaShark]

A former Thailand coach is getting a lot of praise from Oldham fans for his "refreshing honesty" and refusal to blame the referee for his current side's defeat at the weekend.

http://www.pafc.co.uk/page/Post/0,,10364~2202529,00.html

[charade_2010]

FA Cup experience

For the first time, fans here will see for themselves the FA Cup trophy.

Big Cola, a sponsor of England's national football team, will bring the Cup to Thailand next year.

Big Cola has recently signed another contract with the English FA for the firm to be a sponsor of the FA Cup, the world's oldest football competition.

"The English FA has agreed to allow Big Cola Thailand to bring the FA Cup to Thailand next year," said Chanin Tiencharoen, Cola Real Trading marketing manager.

Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/210771/fa-cup-experience

[bon-nirnam]

Why not? It's an important part of football culture which I can comfortably say it, 'British Culture'. No matter how other like to slam or slant it, it still is a part of British culture that inspired world population more than any other sports. Moreover, as arrogant as FIFA is International Football Board also still rules The Laws of The Game. So, FIFA's folks should abbsorb it and Be Greatful! 

[bon-nirnam]

Good! Worawi's made the bed, now he has to sleep in it, alone.

[charade_2010]

Piyapong could become Robson's assistant

Worawi Makudi, president of the Football Association of Thailand, says he wants former national striker Piyapong Pue-on to be assistant to Thailand coach Bryan Robson.

The English coach has been without an assistant since his compatriot Steve Darby was assigned to do another job.

Worawi said yesterday he wanted Piyapong to work as Robson's assistant on a full-time basis but the former striker may not be available because he works at the Royal Thai Air Force and is also a TV commentator and businessman.

Piyapong said he was interested in the offer but he needed to talk with Worawi about the details.

He said there should not be a problem if the FAT offered him a two-year contract and believed his experience and knowledge should be useful to the national team.

[wolfman]

I hope this works, but have a few questions.

How many assistants has Robson had in the 15 months or so he's been in charge?
Off the top of my head, I can think of Zico, and Steve Darby, plus I think there was a TPL coach in Indonesia for the Suzuki Cup (was it Apapol Busakom of PEA?). I think there was another alongside Zico. I know Zico left to develop himself elsewhere, and any club coach would be on temporary assignment, but surely this revolving door of assistant coaches can't be helping?

As for Piyapong, I know he was a hero in his playing days, but does he have any coaching experience? Just curious.

The article mentions he's in the Air Force, is a businessman and commentates, but nothing about his coaching. How much time is he actually going to dedicate to this new postion?

[lokomotive]

I hope this works, but have a few questions.

How many assistants has Robson had in the 15 months or so he's been in charge?
Off the top of my head, I can think of Zico, and Steve Darby, plus I think there was a TPL coach in Indonesia for the Suzuki Cup (was it Apapol Busakom of PEA?). I think there was another alongside Zico. I know Zico left to develop himself elsewhere, and any club coach would be on temporary assignment, but surely this revolving door of assistant coaches can't be helping?

As for Piyapong, I know he was a hero in his playing days, but does he have any coaching experience? Just curious.

The article mentions he's in the Air Force, is a businessman and commentates, but nothing about his coaching. How much time is he actually going to dedicate to this new postion?

He was definately coaching. Air Force for a decade, right after his retirement as player.

[druryfire]

I hope this works, but have a few questions.

How many assistants has Robson had in the 15 months or so he's been in charge?
Off the top of my head, I can think of Zico, and Steve Darby, plus I think there was a TPL coach in Indonesia for the Suzuki Cup (was it Apapol Busakom of PEA?). I think there was another alongside Zico. I know Zico left to develop himself elsewhere, and any club coach would be on temporary assignment, but surely this revolving door of assistant coaches can't be helping?

As for Piyapong, I know he was a hero in his playing days, but does he have any coaching experience? Just curious.

The article mentions he's in the Air Force, is a businessman and commentates, but nothing about his coaching. How much time is he actually going to dedicate to this new postion?

It wasn't that long ago that he very nearly ran for FAT President, and with elections always on Wowrai's mind, it could just be his way of pushing him to the side in another role before the press really catch on.

Why Robson can't choose his own back room staff is beyond me. It would be great to keep on some up and coming coaches, but with the really crappy thought process that goes into things during the season, then everyone just knows they can't be in two places at once.

[bon-nirnam]

Going back when Reid was hired, FAT had picked Assistant Coaches without tlaking consulting Reid who asking for Viv Anderson which obviously he didn't get what he really want resulting in him reaching out for Darby. A couple of weeks after Reid bagan to work with NT FAT's hand picked Assistant Coaches walked out citing they weren't engaaged in NT training process(as they had hope).

Rule of thumb in running a team at any levels is that the Head Coach and his assistant(s) must be in sync. Unless, of course, you coach for FAT.

[Vinnie]

Going back when Reid was hired, FAT had picked Assistant Coaches without tlaking consulting Reid who asking for Viv Anderson which obviously he didn't get what he really want resulting in him reaching out for Darby. A couple of weeks after Reid bagan to work with NT FAT's hand picked Assistant Coaches walked out citing they weren't engaaged in NT training process(as they had hope).

Rule of thumb in running a team at any levels is that the Head Coach and his assistant(s) must be in sync. Unless, of course, you coach for FAT.

Personally, if the headcoach is a foreigner then I think the main assistant should be Thai – preferably one who can speak good English and can relay the headcoach's instructions accurately to the team.
Maybe it can work, but it just seems unsatisfactory to me to have two foreigners dishing out instructions, via an interpreter, to the squad. This is in no way a criticism of Darby (in fact, in an ideal world I'd like to see him as headcoach with 'Zico' as his number two) but I just like the balance of a Thai assistant complementing a foreign headcoach.

Regarding the FAT's treatment of Reid in this matter, I think their attitude was basically "we're paying you xx million baht so we'll dictate to you, not vice-versa."
Reid was taking the squad in the right direction and it was a pity that he left, but he had to put up with a lot of crap from the FAT so I don't blame him.

[bon-nirnam]

Going back when Reid was hired, FAT had picked Assistant Coaches without tlaking consulting Reid who asking for Viv Anderson which obviously he didn't get what he really want resulting in him reaching out for Darby. A couple of weeks after Reid bagan to work with NT FAT's hand picked Assistant Coaches walked out citing they weren't engaaged in NT training process(as they had hope).

Rule of thumb in running a team at any levels is that the Head Coach and his assistant(s) must be in sync. Unless, of course, you coach for FAT.

Personally, if the headcoach is a foreigner then I think the main assistant should be Thai – preferably one who can speak good English and can relay the headcoach's instructions accurately to the team.
Maybe it can work, but it just seems unsatisfactory to me to have two foreigners dishing out instructions, via an interpreter, to the squad. This is in no way a criticism of Darby (in fact, in an ideal world I'd like to see him as headcoach with 'Zico' as his number two) but I just like the balance of a Thai assistant complementing a foreign headcoach.

Regarding the FAT's treatment of Reid in this matter, I think their attitude was basically "we're paying you xx million baht so we'll dictate to you, not vice-versa."
Reid was taking the squad in the right direction and it was a pity that he left, but he had to put up with a lot of crap from the FAT so I don't blame him.

Although, I believe that real problem of Thai football development lies several hundred feet deeper than what weekly activities or accationally on International stage had potrayed, NT under Reid guidance did, however, didplayed a grimpse of 'What it would be like had.... ' (the association was not lead by a FATHead).


1. Mechanics: Ability to carry out game-specific action in correct and consistant manners
2. Mental Game: Fear of the unknown or anything not local
3. Game Pace: Speeds and Physical requirement of top notch games

These 3 things are the key problems, especially, #2 as it embeded in players since their early childhood development.

[charade_2010]

2014 World Cup qualifiers , Thailand will face Afghanistan or Palestin at the 2nd round . First leg, July 23th
Second leg  , July 28th

[bon-nirnam]

Even though it always seems that I have barrage of things to say about aspect of Thailand NT short coming, I want to make two things clear in that one, I will always support our NT and two, I would very much like to see the progress, especially, in term of thinking or being creative in our approach from coaching standpoint and players'self-believe. I always am an individual of a firm philosophical believe of 'you are as inferior as you think you are'. Stepping into or standing at an unfamiliar teritory is often if not always make one's heart tremble. But, every true competitor has to go throught that with Pele, Mohamed Ali and one of my idol, John Lowe are  included. At the rate and the outlook to which our NT have been through up to now taking our game to our opponents of our equal or perceived to be stronger is hardly has been witnessed by fans and supporters. Until we determine to rid off the old football demon and willing to fail at the hands of our opponents not by fear of our own success then we will...

[charade_2010]

Thailand face Palestine

Thailand will meet Palestine in a World Cup qualifer after the Palestinians finished off Afghanistan on Sunday.

Palestine held Afghanistan to a 1-1 draw at home, going through 3-1 on aggregate courtesy of a 2-0 away win in the first leg in Asia's first qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup.

Thailand will host Palestine in Buri Ram on July 23 and the second leg is scheduled for July 28. It will be Winfried Schaefer's first assignment as Thailand's coach.

It will be a tricky tie for Thailand whose U23 side edged Palestine on penalties after a draw over two legs in an Olympic qualifier earlier this year.

The Thai U23 team were then booted out after it was found that they had used a suspended player. Thailand blamed the match commissioner for not informing them that the player was suspended.

Against Palestine this time, Thailand have found that Teerathorn Boonmathan is suspended for the first leg.Assistant national coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong said Thailand had received a videotape of Palestine matches against Afghanistan and also got information from Charnwit Phalajivin who coached Thailand's Olympic side.

Winfried Schaefer, who last week signed a three-year contract to coach Thailand, has brought two specialists to work with him.

Shaefer, who signed a three-year contract to coach Thailand last week, welcomed fellow Germans Stefan Brasas and Norbert Hauenstein on Sunday.

Brasas, a former Werder Bremen player, will be Thailand's goalkeeper coach, while Hauenstein worked with Bayern Munich as fitness coach for 12 years.

"Stefan is a good coach. He can push players to another level," Schaefer said.

"It is important for a team to have a fitness coach. Players must be strong and ready to play when they are on the pitch or on the bench."

The national players will have to report to Schaefer on Friday but their training will begin next Monday as several players have to play in Cup matches this weekend .

[charade_2010]

Thais race to replace backroom staff

Football Association of Thailand general secretary Ongart Kohsinkha said he would find replacements soon for two backroom staff who failed to turn up for duty under national coach Winfried Schaefer.

The first leg of Thailand's World Cup secondround qualifying tie against Palestine is scheduled for July 23 at Buriram PEA's IMobile stadium. Instead of focusing on the players, the German coach has had to deal with offfield matters, after the goalkeeping coach and a physiotherapist were found to be absent from the training camp.

Ongart said the association is aware of the potential effect on the team's preparations and has already started its search for new personnel.

"Schaefer has asked us to help him find replacements. I guess the two guys, who went back home, have accepted contracts elsewhere. We offered them fourmonth deals with salaries of around US$9,000 a month.

"One night, they called me and asked for an advance on their salary. I told them I would talk to them the next day, but they left. If they had wanted a longterm contract, it would not have been a problem.

"They hadn't started their work so we didn't know whether they were good or not," said Ongart .

[charade_2010]

Thailand scrape past Burma

Burma striker Yan Paing, left, fights for the ball with Thailand’s Rangsan Vivatchaichok in a warm-up match in Buri Ram last night. Thailand won 1-0.

Winfried Schaefer got off to a winning _ but unconvincing start _ as coach of Thailand as the national side could only edge Burma 1-0 in a warm-up match in Buri Ram last night

Schaefer could not have asked for a better start as Teerasil Dangda gave the home side the lead right after the kick-off at I-Mobile stadium in Thailand's first game under the German.

Thailand squandered numerous chances to extend the advantage. But they were also under pressure from the Burmese who came close to spoiling Schaefer's party on several occasions.

"It was a good match. But in the second half, we allowed Burma to attack. We defended well but the behaviour of our defenders was not so good," Schaefer said.

"The most important thing that we have to improve is scoring. We had several chances to score but could not convert them into goals.

"Many Thai league teams use foreign strikers and this may make the Thai players have problems with scoring," added the German.

Schaefer started with two strikers, Teerasil and Kirati Keawsombut, in a 4-4-2 formation but switched to a 4-3-3 in the second half when he brought on Sarayuth Chaikamdee for a three-pronged attack.

But it did not work and the coach admitted afterwards that a 4-4-2 formation may be the best choice for Thailand.

Thailand began their training on Monday for a World Cup qualifier against Palestine later this month and Schaefer said his men's overall performance against Burma was good after just two days of training.

In wet conditions with heavy downpour, Rangsan Vivatchaichok's free-kick perfectly found Teerasil who headed the ball into the back of the net in the second minute.

Teerasil soon got another chance in the fifth minute but this time his header went wide.

Thailand kept piling pressure on Burma and their attack was not so smooth because of the wet pitch.

In the 30th minute, midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao went clear but his shot was saved by Burma goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet.

Burma's best chance in the first half came in the 37th minute when Kyaw Ko Ko's long drive hit the bar and striker Yan Paing failed to send the loose ball into the net.

Yan Paing almost became a villain for his team when he helped defend his goal and his header came close to going into his own net.

The visitors started strongly in the second half and Mya Aye Naing's shot was too soft to beat Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thammasatchanan.

The Thais regrouped and Sarayuth and Sompong Sorleb, another substitute striker, got several chances but failed to turn them into goals.

Thailand will train with Burma today at the same stadium. The Thais will host Palestine in a World Cup qualifier in Buri Ram on July 23 with the return leg on July 28.

[wolfman]

"Many Thai league teams use foreign strikers and this may make the Thai players have problems with scoring," added the German.

Bollocks. Try picking the Thai strikers who are scoring.

Muang Thong and Buriram PEA are both overly reliant on foreigners to score their goals, but there are Thais at the top of the TPL scorers list.

I guess they just don't play for the right clubs.

[charade_2010]

Misfiring Thailand scrape to 1-0 victory

Thai fans are in full voice.

BURI RAM : Thailand are in danger of elimination after they could only edge Palestine 1-0 in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier at I-Mobile stadium last night.

The Thais missed a golden chance to take a 2-0 advantage into next Thursday's second leg in the West Bank when Suchao Nutnum's spot kick in the dying moments hit the woodwork.

Yesterday's narrow win might be a bad omen for Thailand following their setback in an Olympic qualifier earlier this year.

Thailand beat Palestine 1-0 in Bangkok and lost by the same score in the West Bank in Palestine's first-ever competitive international match on home soil.

Thailand went on to win on penalties but were then booted out from the Olympic qualifying event because they used a suspended player in the Bangkok leg.

In yesterday's game, Thailand got off to a lively start and squandered several chances before they found the net in the 19th minute.

Jakkraphan Buathong's shot hit Palestine defender Abdellatif Bahdari as the ball deflected into his own net.

Thailand dominated for long periods but could not get the second goal.

Their best chance came in injury time when the home side were awarded a penalty after striker Teerasil Dangda was brought down in the area.

However, Suchao, a player of Buriram PEA who own I-Mobile stadium, saw his kick hit a post.

"Before the match, I thought 1-0 would be enough," said Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer.

"But we played well and should have scored three or four goals.

"I did not assign anyone to take a penalty and Suchao wanted to do it."

Yesterday's match was Schaefer's first competitive game as Thailand's coach and he admitted that the second leg would be tough.

"The second match will not be easy because Thailand will have to play on an artificial pitch," said the German.

"But I am still confident that we will advance to the next round."

Palestine coach Moussa Bezaz said: "Thailand is a good team. We did not start well but we are pleased that we lost only 1-0.

"I am still believe that we will beat Thailand and qualify for the next round."

Thailand will leave for the West Bank today.

Clip :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5CXAzD5rPE&feature=player_embedded

[charade_2010]

Palestine 2-2 Thailand (2-3 agg)

Al Ram: Datsakorn Thonglao was the hero for Thailand as his double against Palestine helped the three-time ASEAN champions to a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the third qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Thailand travelled to the West Bank with the slenderest of advantages following their 1-0 first-leg win, which came courtesy of Jakkaphan Kaewprom's goal 19 minutes into last Saturday's clash in Buriram.

But Thailand's aggregate lead was cancelled out just six minutes into the return fixture at the Feisal Al Husseni Stadium when Murad Elyyan leveled the second round encounter only for Datsakorn to restore then one-goal cushion in the 33rd minute with a crucial away goal.

Elyyan took his international tally to an impressive eight in six international matches as the Hilal Al Quds hitman made it 2-1 on the stroke of full-time.

But with the Thais holding an away goal advantage Palestine needed to score again to advance at the expense of the South East Asians.

However, shortly after the home side were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Khadir Yousef, Datsakorn scored his second of the game in stoppage time to settle any Thai nerves and end Palestine's World Cup dream.

[charade_2010]

Schaefer confident of World Cup task

Despite being drawn into a tough World Cup qualifying group, Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer is in confident mood saying he is not afraid of any side.

Thailand face Australia, Saudi Arabia and Oman in Group D of Asia's third qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup with the top two teams from each of the five groups advance to the final stage.

Although Schaefer's men could only edge past Palestine 3-2 over two legs in the previous qualifying tie in his first assignment as coach of Thailand, the German said he aimed to get at least a point in every game against Australia, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

"We could not select our opponents and I don't care who we are going to meet," said Schaefer who coached Cameroon at the 2002 World Cup.

"We are not afraid of any team and our players are eager to play against any team. We target a point in every away game and we should win all home games."

Schaefer has worked with several teams in the Middle East and he believes his knowledge of football in the region would be useful.

"I know that players in the Middle East are tall and have good skills. But we prove that we can play against a Middle East side by beating Palestine. I am sure that we can get good results against Saudi Arabia and Oman."

Worawi Makudi, president of the Football Association of Thailand, has called a meeting of the National Team Committee on Thursday to map out plans for the World Cup qualifying.

Worawi has promised to give the national side one million baht for each win.

Following the World Cup draw on Saturday, national team manager Anucha Nakasai said Thailand could upset the Aussies, who finished second at this year's Asian Cup.

"They are admittedly all strong teams but at least we didn't get Japan or South Korea," he said.

"Australia play a high standard of football, but I think we can give them a good game. The Australian players are tall but they are a bit slow. I think we have the speed with our short-passing game to upset them, but of course it will be difficult."

Australia coach Holger Osieck was diplomatic on Sunday saying: "Saudi look pretty strong to me but you never know where you stand with a team like Oman and even Thailand.

"They all have international coaches, Rijkaard at Saudi, Paul Le Guen at Oman and Winfried Schaefer in Thailand, so they will try to introduce their success into their teams."

The Socceroos are favourites to progress from what one Australian newspaper described as the "group of life" .

[charade_2010]

2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: THAILAND NAME SQUAD TO FACE AUSTRALIA IN THIRD ROUND OPENER

BANGKOK (28 Aug 2011) – The FA of Thailand (FAT) have announced the squad which will take on Australia in the opening third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The game will be played at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 2 Sept 2011.

Other than Australia in Group D, the Thais will also be up against Saudi Arabia and Oman.

THAILAND SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool (Chonburi), Sivaruk Terdsungnern (Buriram PEA) and Chatchai Butprom (Osotspa M-150).

DEFENDERS: Phaitoon Tiebma (Muang Thong), Suttinun Phukhom (Chonburi), Chonlatit Jantakam (Chonburi), Teerathorn Boonmathan (Buriram PEA), Supachai Komsil (Bangkok Glass), Niweat Siriwong (Pattaya) and Prathum Chuthong (Osotspa M-150).

MIDFIELDERS: Jakkraprom Kaewprom (Buriram PEA), Datsakorn Thonglao (Muang Thong), Adul Lasoh (Chonburi), Suchao Nutnum (Buriram PEA), Surat Sukha (Buriram PEA), Pokklao Anan (Insee Police), Arthit Sunthornpit (Chonburi), Piyapol Buntao (Muang Thong) and Rangsan Vivatchaichok (Buriram PEA).

STRIKERS: Teerasil Dangda (Muang Thong), Chatree Chimtalay (Bangkok Glass), Sompong Sorleb (Buriram FC) and Sarayuth Chaikamdee (Bangkok Glass) .

[charade_2010]

Australia 2-1 Thailand

Brisbane: Second-half substitute Alex Brosque scored a late winner as Australia came from a goal down to see off Thailand 2-1 and make a winning start to their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday.

The 2011 AFC Asian Cup runners-up received direct entry to the third round of Asian qualifiers while the Thais had to overcome Palestine in the second round and it was the visitors that stunned that seeded side when they took a 15th minute lead.

Teerasil Dangda, who was on target as Muang Thong United defeated Lebanon's Al Ahed 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of this year's AFC Cup, silenced the majority of the spectators at the Suncorp Stadium by putting Thailand one up with quarter-of-an-hour played and the 23-year-old's goal separated the two sides until 13 minutes into the second half when towering Nagoya Grampus striker Josh Kennedy equalized for Australia with his tenth international goal.

The Thais looked to be heading back to Bangkok with well-earned draw only to see the Socceroos snatch all three points when Brosque, who also plays his club football in Japan having joined Shimizu S-Pulse from Sydney FC earlier this year, netted an 86th minute winner, 15 minutes after coming on for Tim Cahill.

Australia will be looking to build on their opening Group D victory when they travel to the Middle East to take on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday while the Thais also face Gulf opposition with the three-time ASEAN champions entertaining Oman on the same day.

[charade_2010]

Thailand put three past Oman

Thailand kept their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ dreams alive today with a comfortable 3-0 win over Oman in the third round of Asian qualifying in Bangkok.

The victory eased some of the pain of a 2-1 loss to Australia last week that had left the three-time ASEAN champions in need of vital points if they are to go to Brazil.

"I'm very impressed with the match today. It's because of our hard work after the match with Australia," said Thailand coach Winfried Schafer. "We have three points today but we still have a tough job ahead playing Saudi Arabia. We have to keep working hard."

Sompong Soleb blasted the ball past Omani goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, of English side Wigan Athletic, in the 35th minute while Muang Thong United's Teerasil Dangda outran the defence to ease the ball into the net six minutes later.

An own goal by Rashid Al Farsi in injury time rounded off a poor performance by Oman, who have a tough road ahead if they are to advance to Asia's final qualifying stages, after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia last week.

The solid performance helped Thailand avenge their defeat to Oman in the same qualifying round for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thailand's next test comes when they host Saudi Arabia on 11 October, when Oman face Australia.

[charade_2010]

Second division player Sarawut gets surprise call-up

Second division player Sarawut Masuk has received a surprise call-up to the Thai national team ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia next week.

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer said yesterday that he drafted the Jamjuree United striker into his initial 27-man squad after consulting his assistant Surachai Jaturapattarapong.

"Surachai has followed his progress for over a year," said the German coach. "I want to give an opportunity to any player in any division if he is good enough."

Sarawut's biggest asset is his speed and he has to impress Schaefer during training if he is to make it into the 23-man final squad, Surachai said.Schaefer will cut down the squad after Thailand's friendly with Jordan on Thursday.

Thailand will host Saudi Arabia at Rajamangala National Stadium on Oct 11 in Group D of Asia's qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup.

After two games, Australia lead with a maximum six points and are followed by Thailand who have three. Saudi Arabia and Oman each have one with the top two teams from each of the five groups advancing to the continent's final qualifying stage.

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Teerasil pulls out of squad

Striker Teerasil Dangda has pulled out of the Thai squad for World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Australia next month.

Teerasil, who has scored two goals in the current World Cup qualifying, reported to the training camp on Monday. But he suffered a groin injury and did not train yesterday.

The Muang Thong United forward is expected to be out of action for up to a month.

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer said he would talk to concerned parties to find out if the national team's best striker could be fit for the two games.

Insee Police United forward Surachart Sareepim will be called up if Teerasil is unavailable, said the German coach.

Thailand will travel to Saudi Arabia on Nov 11 and host Australia in Bangkok four days later in Group D of Asia's qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup.

After three games, Thailand are second on four points, five behind leaders Australia, while Saudi Arabia have two and Oman one. The top two teams from each of the five groups advance to Asia's final qualifying stage.

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World Cup qualifier may move to Chiang Mai

With Bangkok braced for its worst flooding in years, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is considering moving next month's World Cup qualifier against group leaders Australia to Chiang Mai.

 Thailand, currently lying in second spot with four points from three matches, will resume their qualifying campaign away to thirdplaced Saudi Arabia on November 11 before hosting the Socceroos, who top Group D with a perfect record, four days later.

 The Australia fixture was originally destined for Rajamangala National stadium but reports that the floodwaters could linger in the capital for as long as a month have prompted the FAT to draw up a contingency plan.

 "So far, we've heard nothing from the AFC [Asian Football Confederation]. However, we have already set up a plan for the worstcase scenario. Rajamangala and Supachalasai stadiums are currently being used as evacuation shelters. I'm not sure whether either of them could host the game, so we have contacted Chiang Mai to prepare in case we have to move the match there," said Ongart Kohsinkha, FAT general secretary.

 Ongart added that Chiang Mai was the preferred venue as Nakhon Ratchasima has no international airport, while the Surakul stadium in Phuket did not meet standards.

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Striker Sarayuth left out of World Cup qualifiers

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer has surprisingly left striker Sarayuth Chaikamdee out of his squad for two World Cup qualifiers.

With Thailand's top marksman Teerasil Dangda out injured, Sarayuth was expected to lead the Thai attack.

Instead, forwards Surachart Sareepim, Pipob On-mo and Sarawut Masuk are in the team as is Teerathep Winothai who has just returned from a long-term injury lay-off, when Schaefer announced the 24-man squad yesterday.

Midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao, who is nursing an injury, is also in the team who will travel to Saudi Arabia on Nov 11 and host Australia on Nov 15 in Asia's qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup.

Schaefer said Teerathep was unavailable for the Saudi Arabia match but could feature in the Australia game in Bangkok.


THAILAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool, Kawin Thammasatchanan, Sivaruk Terdsungnern; Defenders: Chonlatit Jantakam, Suree Sukha, Niweat Siriwong, Nataporn Phanrit, Panupong Wongsa, Supachai Komsilp, Teerathorn Boonmathan, Jakkraphan Kaewprom; Midfielders: Adul Lasoh, Surat Sukha, Rangsan Vivatchaichok, Suchao Nutnum, Datsakorn Thonglao, Phichitpong Cheuichieu, Apipoo Sunthornpanavej; Forwards: Sompong Soleb, Surachart Sareepim, Pipob On-mo, Sarawut Masuk, Teerathep Winothai, Kirati Kaewsombut

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Teerasil hopes

Thailand are desperately hoping that influential striker Teerasil Dangda can make a miraculaous recovery from injury in time to face Australia in a World Cup qualifier in Bangkok tomorrow.

Following their 3-0 defeat at Saudi Arabia on Friday, Thailand must avoid defeat against Australia to stand any chance of progressing to Asia's final qualifying stage for the 2014 World Cup.

After four games, Australia lead Group D with nine points. The Saudis are second on five points, while Thailand and Oman each have four points.

The top two teams from each of the five groups advance to the next qualifying round.

Teerasil was not in the team that lost in Riyadh and Thailand hope he is fit for the Australia clash.

"We are sweating on Teerasil's fitness," said national team assistant coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong.

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer said the Saudi's were the better side but questioned the officiating.

"They played much better than when they met us in Bangkok [which ended in a 0-0 draw] but the referee made some mistakes," said the German coach.

Teerathorn Boonmathan was sent off on Friday but critics said at least one of Saudi Arabia's player should have been dismissed too.

Schaefer refused to throw in the towel saying every team in the group can still qualify.

"We have four points and we are not hopeless," he said.

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Thailand FA must make use of the big chance

With no Thai representatives in the Asian Football Confederation's flagship event, the AFC Champions League, since 2008, there was little doubt that Thailand welcomed the organisation's decision to hand the country one automatic place in the continent's elite club competition.


 Thai clubs had regularly taken part in the tournament, the equivalent of the Uefa Champions League, before Asian football's governing body made an overhaul of the competition three years ago as part of its effort to promote professionalism in the region.

 With the country's top-flight league, the Thailand Premier League, failing in the evaluation conducted by the AFC, the Kingdom was handed only one play-off spot in the group stage of the lucrative competition. None of the Thai representatives, though, has so far been able to reach the competition proper, with TPL champions Muang Thong United going down to Singaporean and Indonesian opponents in the last two years respectively.

 Basing its decision on the assessments by various bodies, the AFC earlier this month released the breakdown of direct entrants for the 2012 edition, with Thailand earning one automatic place plus one play-off slot. The move raised some eyebrows since it was pretty obvious that what Thailand gained was at the loss of South Korea. The East Asian nation, whose K-League clubs won the event twice in the last three years, had to lose one of their four automatic places despite being the tournament's most successful nation.

 It was believed the AFC's decision to hand Thailand, whose club representatives have never won the competition since its revamp in 2002, at least one spot was in recognition of the TPL's growth in recent years. However, one cannot write off the influence of Worawi Makudi, the Football Association of Thailand president, who also sits on Fifa's ruling executive committee, in the organisation.

 How the AFC executive board was swayed to make a decision in Thailand's favour seemed of little importance but what really mattered was the Thais should make the most of their chances by proving that they deserved to play in the continent's top-tier competition on a permanent basis. And, there is not much time for them since the allocation will be revised at the end of the tournament next year.

 To prove that they are worthy of a place does not mean that a Thai club needs to win the title that BEC Tero Sasana came agonisingly close to lifting eight years ago following a 2-1 aggregate loss to UAE club Al Ain in the final.

 However, the authorities should direct all their efforts into improving the domestic competition and meeting international standards, particularly in the aspect of organisation of the league. There has long been grumbling about the arrangements of the domestic fixtures, with reshuffling a common practice in the TPL. Rarely has a TPL season ended in the scheduled time. The addition of the Toyota League Cup tournament worsened the situation in recent years.

 People wonder why the domestic competition has been dogged by the fixture problem, while other countries can arrange their schedules without any trouble despite conducting two Cup tournaments, as Thailand does (the other one is the Thaicom FA Cup). It may be easier said than done, but it certainly should not be too difficult to sort out.

 It would be a pity if Thailand, instead of organising its league better, simply counts on fortune to favour it again when the AFC reviews its allocations next time.

 So, the question is how seriously the Thai FA regards the matter. If it still does not see the need to improve, Thailand will have gained nothing from a decision that should act as a stimulus for the sport's development in the country.

Source : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/sports/Thailand-FA-must-make-use-of-the-big-chance-30171214.html

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Guest Article. Bryan Robson: Thailand was a
fantastic experience

Former Thailand national team manager Bryan Robson says the reason England will not win Euro 2012 is simple – they are just not good enough.

 

When this year’s tournament comes around, it will be 40 years since the former England captain joined West Bromwich Albion as a youth team player.

 

He made nearly 200 appearances for West Brom before going on to play 345 times for United, scoring 74 goals. He played 90 times for his country, making 65 appearances as captain.

 

Robson, who turned 55 in January, played for and managed Middlesbrough and has also managed Bradford City, West Brom and Sheffield United. Until June last year he was the Thailand national team manager. He is currently working as a global ambassador for Manchester United.

 

He talked to www.totalfootballmag.com about his career, Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s rivalry with Manchester City, his time in Thailand, and why England fans should not expect too much at this year’s Euro 2012 tournament.

 

Managing Thailand must be something you would never have imagined growing up. What was that experience like?

 

The experience was fantastic for me. I really enjoyed working with the players who were so disciplined and responded well to everything I asked of them. They couldn’t have tried harder and I appreciate that.

 

What were the highlights of your career as a player and a manager?

 

The highlight of my playing days would have to be winning the first Premiership with Manchester United in 1992/93. As a manager, winning promotion with Middlesborough was undoubtedly the best moment for me.

 

How do you rate England’s chances at Euro 2012?

 

To me, England are where we have been for the last eight years. We are capable of qualifying but we are not good enough to go and win the competition. Teams like Spain and Germany are far stronger than us and are much more capable of performing on the day.

 

You have worked a lot with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. How has he affected you as a player and a person?

 

Sir Alex is a great manager. He has a great desire to win and is totally committed to making Manchester United successful, and that transmits to the players and makes them what they are. As a manager myself, I tried to implement as many of Sir Alex’s strengths as possible.

 

What does your ambassadorial role for Manchester United entail?

 

I really enjoy my role as ambassador of Manchester United, it really is a great honour for me. I work closely with the sponsors behind the scenes and like to appear as often as I can on MUTV to discuss the club’s latest news. It’s a lot of responsibility but I relish it.

 

What are your ambitions for the future?

 

At the moment, I am not thinking beyond my current role. I am really enjoying being a club ambassador but if I were to think beyond that, I would not rule out management again in the future.